Ask Amy: People-pleaser is left in stitches
After she left, I felt used, so I called her and told her that she needed to pay me for my time if she was going to sell this dress design for a profit.
However, now I feel guilty! I hate myself for calling her.
Was I wrong to call her? Or am I wrong to feel guilty?
– In Stitches
Dear In Stitches: People often ask if they are “wrong” to feel a particular way. And my answer is always the same: Your feelings are your feelings. They are neither right nor wrong. They simply are. Your job is to let your feelings guide you toward understanding and (possibly) change.
Your initial choices prevented you – and the organization you support – from receiving a justified compensation.
I suggest that your chronic undercharging is more a reflection of your confidence in the worth of your work than your desire to please.
“Kara” swanned out the door wearing a custom-made dress (as well as the pattern and instructions) for $20.
If you don’t set your price and state it clearly before doing the work, then you leave it up to the buyer to guess a fair compensation – or to gently rip you off.
I give your choice to follow up with Kara a “five star” rating.
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